Exercise Stress Test-pediatrics

This leaflet will give you information on exercise stress test at Sidra Medicine. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your child’s doctor or nurse.

What is Exercise stress test?

A test that helps evaluate the blood flow to your child's heart while they are active. It also helps evaluate your child's exercise tolerances and your child's heart pumping pattern. It is done while your child exercises on a treadmill.

How do I prepare my child for an exercise stress test?

Medicine

Tell your child’s health care provider about all the medicine(s) your child is taking. This includes any vitamins, supplements, herbs, and/ or over the counter medicine. Ask if it is ok to take them before the test.

Eating and Drinking Instructions

Follow these instructions on when your child should stop eating and/or drinking before the appointment:

  • Do not have caffeinated products like coffee, tea, cola drinks, and energy drinks for 24 hours before the test
  • Do not eat a meal within 2 hours before the test.

What to Wear and Bring?

  • Your child should wear or bring a loose-fitting T-shirt, comfortable pant/shorts (no overalls or one-piece outfits)
  • Your child should wear walking or running shoes. Do not wear boots or sandals.

Exercise

  • Your child should avoid any avoid vigorous exercise (example: running, football, basketball) 24 hours before the test

What to Expect During the Test?

  • The test will be performed by a technician. Two health care providers will be in the room during the test.
  • The test will take 1 hour
  • Ten plastic stickers called electrodes will be placed on your child’s chest.
  • A blood pressure cuff will be put on your child’s upper arm. During the test blood pressure will be taken every 3 minutes
  • Your child will wear a soft face mask to monitor breathing during the test
  • Your child will be asked to walk on a treadmill
  • Your child will be asked to exercise for several minutes. The exercise will be easy at the beginning and will slowly get harder, with an increase in the speed and incline.
  • Your child will be asked to exercise as long as possible or until they are asked to stop.
  • Your child will be asked to stop if they have certain symptoms. Your child may need to repeat the test
  • Be sure to tell your health care provider if your child feels any of the following symptoms:
  • Chest, arm, jaw pain or discomfort
  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Severe tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Leg cramp or soreness
  • Faintness
  • Palpitation (fast beating, pounding heart)

What to Expect after the Test?

Your child can go back to their normal activity, unless otherwise instructed. You can learn about the test results on the follow up appointment